Re: 3week old in hosp. Not nursing!

I would pump for at least 10 minutes. Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water. 2.5 ounces is still a good output. And him nursing only 5 minutes per side is normal. That's how both my girls were/are. Is his diaper output still looking good? Yes just keep feeding him ANYTIME he acts like he wants it. Even if its 10 minutes after you just finished. That will keep your supply up even if he's not eating quite as much per feeding. Don't worry too much about how much you are pumping. It can vary quite a bit and even the best hospital grade pump is not going to get out as much milk as baby can. You are doing great! Keep it up

Re: 3week old in hosp. Not nursing!

Thanks! I will pump longer! I let him nurse (encourage it, really) any time. I can just tell his suck is weaker right now. He is having lots of poos and some wets (they weigh them all). They said the poo dipes could be from the strong antibiotics. They are trying to be supportive...

Re: 3week old in hosp. Not nursing!

So, I haven't been able to pump today...he's been nursing every hour for 5-8 min, one side only. He was awake and a little fussy from 12:30-3. I am here alone and just got him to sleep. I am going to take a nap hopefully! Docs say his output is good... We are here through next Monday...should I continue to try and pump? I can't figure out when to do it!!??

Re: 3week old in hosp. Not nursing!

If he hasn't nursed you must pump to protect your supply. Being full tells your body to make less. And it won't show up right away. It will be in a day or two when you are low. But keep nursing as often as he will. That is better than any pump.

Re: 3week old in hosp. Not nursing!

If he is nursing that often then I wouldn't worry about pumping unless you are feeling full and he's not nursing. Does he normally eat from one side? If so then that's just fine. If he usually nurses from both and isn't right now then after he nurses from one side I would pump the other side.